About Us

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The Chamber

Mission: To advocate and promote economic growth by building business, building relationships, and building community.

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It's a Chaldean Thing

Chaldeans are Aramaic-speaking, Eastern Rite Catholics indigenous to Iraq. Metro Detroit is home to the largest Chaldean population outside the Middle East with an estimated 187,000 members. Since the United States’ invasion of Iraq, more than three fourths (1,000,000) of Iraq’s Christian population have fled due to religious persecution. Many still remain displaced as refugees all over the world.

30% of our Members are Non-Chaldeans

Our members represent more than 5,000 businesses and have cornered the market on many industries, including real estate, law, hospitality, and telecommunications. We are an inclusive group with extensive perks. Are you in?

Our Team

Martin Manna
Martin Manna

President and CEO

Sheren Deza
Sheren Deza

Executive Admin

Sana Navarrette
Sana Navarrette

Membership

Sarah Kittle
Sarah Kittle

Communications

Natalie Shammami
Natalie Shammami

Events

Julia Shunia
Julia Shunia

Social Media

Sinan Taila
Sinan Taila

Controller

Savio Yaldo
Savio Yaldo

Accounting

Beshar Shukri
Beshar Shukri

Accounting

Tom Haji
Tom Haji

Project Manager

Sharkey Haddad
Sharkey Haddad

Project Manager

Jimmy Esshaki
Jimmy Esshaki

Special Projects

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
    Who are Chaldeans?

        Chaldeans are Aramaic speaking, Eastern-rite Catholics that are indigenous to Iraq. They are from the Arab world but are not Arabs, predating the Arabs, Turks and Kurds with a history spanning back over 5,000 years.

    What percentage of Chaldean households own a business?

        It is estimated that 59% of Chaldean households own at least one business and 39% own two or more (estimated to own more than 25,000 businesses in Michigan).

    Do you have to be Chaldean to join the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce?

        No. Nearly 30% of Chamber members are non-Chaldean.

    Where does the Chaldean Community reside in Michigan?

        Metro Detroit has the highest concentration of Chaldeans in the United States (160,000) with most residing in Oakland and Macomb counties.

    Do Chaldeans have an impact on Michigan’s economy?

        The Chaldean community contributes more than $18 billion annually to Michigan’s economy. 

    Do Chaldeans have their own church?

        The Chaldean Church is led by the Patriarch of Babylon, who answers to the Pope. Chaldeans were converted to Catholicism by the Apostle St. Thomas.

    What type of industries do Chamber members represent?

        Our members represent a wide range of industries including hospitality, real estate development, food and beverage, retail (including stores and supermarkets) and telecommunications.

    Do they have their own language?

        Chaldeans speak a dialect of Aramaic known as Syriac. A Semitic language with a rich history, it has been used in religious contexts for centuries, and its alphabet has served as a basis for the Hebrew and Arabic alphabets. It is the oldest continuously spoken language and was the language of Jesus Christ. Today, it is mainly spoken in areas of present day Iran and Iraq, as well as within the Chaldean diaspora.

Reference: dbusiness 2016

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Leadership

Executive Board

Sly Sandiha
Sly Sandiha

Chairman/Pinnacle Management

Kevin Denha
Kevin Denha

Executive Vice Chairman/Vision Investment Partners

Kevin Jappaya
Kevin Jappaya

Vice Chairman/KJ Commercial Real Estate Advisors

Anthony Mona
Anthony Mona

Treasurer/Spartan Wealth Management

Haley Jonna
Haley Jonna

Secretary/Jonna Properties

Andy Gutman
Andy Gutman

Executive Committee Member/Farbman Group

Jim Manna
Jim Manna

Executive Committee Member/Real Estate One

Board of Directors:

Our 15 member board is elected by our members for a two-year term. Elections take place at the annual Board meeting in the fall.

Wessam Ayar
Wassem Ayar

Director

Pamela Dover
Pamela Dover

Director

Justin-Hanna
Justin Hanna

Director

Lawrence Kajy
Lawrence Kajy

Director

Dr. Dina Kassab
Dr. Dina Kassab

Director

Renee Tomina
Renee Tomina

Director

Jayson Zebari
Jayson Zebari

Director

Committees:

The Chaldean Chamber of Commerce is comprised of engaged and energetic members who provide support with the following committees. For more information about joining one of the Chamber committees, please call us at 248-851-1200 or send an email to info@chaldeanchamber.com.

Frequently Asked Questions
    Chaldean Professional Network (CPN)

        The Chaldean Profressional Network is where young entrepreneurs, recent graduates, and experienced professionals come together to promote education and unity while encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic for which Chaldeans are known. This group is inclusive, promoting educational and professional opportunities for all Chaldeans. The committee goal is to lead, inspire, and mentor through networking events and educational forums with well-known business leaders and top CEOs.

    Political Action Committee (PAC)

        The Chaldean Chamber Political Action Committee (PAC) is tasked with enhancing the community’s influence in Lansing on issues that affect the Chaldean community and businesses. The mission of the Chaldean Chamber PAC is to put community and member concerns foremost in legislators’ minds. The Chaldean Chamber PAC has supported both Chaldean and non-Chaldean candidates across party lines who are pro - business and sympathetic to the concerns of the Chaldean community. Meets quarterly and hosts one fundraiser per year.

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    Civil Liberties Advocates

        The Chaldean Chamber Civil Liberty Advocates Committee was created in an effort to quell the growing practices of prejudice and discrimination. The CLAC is tasked with the intake, addressing, investigating and resolving of formal complaints concerning discriminatory acts submitted by members of the community. The mission of the CLAC is to serve as frontline advocates and the voice for those that have been oppressed through unjust practices.

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    Event Committees

        Dinner Committee helps decide on honorees and sponsorship ideas for this annual event. Usually comprised of previous years’ honorees and representatives of major sponsors. Meets 3-5 times per year .


        Golf Outing Committee helps obtain auction items and sponsorships for this annual golf event and assists with selling raffle tickets. Meets 3-5 times per year.


        Business Luncheon Committee helps decide on and secure speakers for the annual luncheon. Meets twice yearly.

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CYPN

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Chaldean Community Foundation

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PAC

AAF

AAF

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Civil Liberty Advocates

Affiliates and Partner Organizations

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Chaldean Community Foundation

Background/Mission: The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) is the charitable arm of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce and a not-for-profit501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the stability, health and wellness of those we serve through advocacy, acculturation, community development and cultural preservation.

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Ark Angel Fund


The Ark Angel Fund was created to support early start-up businesses and make investments in emerging companies that will make a difference in this region. The Fund is invite-only to accredited investors and is managed by a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce. Support and guidance for the Fund is provided by Ann Arbor Spark, Michigan’s leading resource for business incubation and development.


www.ArkAngelFund.com

The Chaldean News

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Chaldean News

Mission: Through lively, informative articles written by award-winning journalists, The Chaldean News keeps Michigan’s Chaldean American community connected on news, events, trends, personalities and milestones. The magazine is THE source for news and information in the Chaldean community.

A metro Detroit based monthly publication, The Chaldean News is a community paper reporting on community news. Articles feature local businesses, church happenings and community events but also tackle larger issues like economics and industry, social issues and morality. Regular features include “Chaldeans Around the World ,” “Chaldean on the Street” and “Chaldean Digest,” which reports what other news outlets are reporting about Chaldeans. Digital and print subscriptions available.

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